Historic powwow to take place at UW-Stevens Point

Marking its milestone 50^th annual event, the American Indians Reaching for Opportunities (AIRO) Powwow will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on Saturday, May 3.
 
The event will take place in Skyward Fieldhouse, 2050 Fourth Ave., Stevens Point. General admission is $7, admission with a UWSP student ID is $5, and elders over 65 and kids under 3 may enter for free. 
 
Doors open at 11 a.m., with grand entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. All dancers will line up during grand entries and enter in accordance with opening protocols. Intertribal dances will be open to everyone, including non-Native attendees, to respectfully join in the celebration and honor the gathering. A traditional feast will also be served at 5 p.m.

This year’s event will feature alumni from the AIRO student organization from the past 50 years. Speakers will share elder wisdom and insight that reflects the deep roots and lasting impact of this student-led tradition. Head dancers will honor others through giveaways, and outgoing AIRO Princess and Brave will be holding specials rooted in generosity and gratitude.

Attendees will experience a wide variety of dance styles throughout the day. The student-led powwow committee, supported by the UW-Stevens Point Native American Center, will hold exhibition specials open to all, including dances like “Bells and Boots (if you got them),” the Swan Dance, Two-Step, Snake Dance and many more. Drums representing many Nations in the region will be featured with the Menominee Nation Color Guard, among other celebrations.

Indigenous arts, crafts and food vendors will be present, including Native frybread. Children and families are welcome to attend with space to craft and enjoy games coordinated by campus volunteers.

“We are honored to celebrate this incredible milestone with our community. It means a great deal to us that for 50 years, Indigenous students at UWSP have organized and hosted this powwow, often while navigating new environments, being far from home and facing significant challenges. The resilience of our people is visible in this gathering, which continues to stand strong - just like us,” said Native American Center Coordinator Rachel Davis.
For more information on AIRO and the Native American Center at UW-Stevens Point, visit www.uwsp.edu/diversity-and-college-access/native-american-center/.